Breast tomosynthesis is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and is one of the most advanced technologies available today for early detection of breast cancer. 3D mammography is used in conjunction with the traditional screening mammogram (2D mammography).

“Breast tomosynthesis is a leading technology which allows us to find more small cancers and decrease call backs for additional tests due to the ability to reduce overlapping tissue densities,” said Thomas Cink, MD, one of three fellowship-trained breast radiologists at Edith Sanford Breast Health. “It is a dramatic change in breast cancer screening since it improves both sensitivity and specificity.”

During the 3D portion of the exam, the X-ray arm moves in an arc over the breast, taking multiple images in just seconds. It uses advanced computer imaging and low-dose X-rays to convert digital breast images into a stack of very thin layers, or “slices,” of the breast. This allows doctors to look at the tissue one layer at a time instead of just one flat image, as in 2D mammography.

According to the American Cancer Society, women older than 40 should be screened for breast cancer once a year. Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer. If detected early, the 10-year survival rate is greater than 90 percent.

Edith Sanford Breast Health has received the following designations: American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Center of Excellence (BICOE), American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the National Consortium of Breast Centers Certified Quality Breast Center.